Of course everyone knows about a little project named American Idol that judge Randy Jackson is a part of. But like Simon Cowell before him, Randy wasn't content to sit on his laurels and collect that fat paycheck. He had other ideas, and MTV was smart enough to pick up his latest reality competition. As someone who spent ten years in dance, going so far as to perform with the St. Louis Ballet Company, it is always exciting for me to see dance represented on television. And when street dance troupes started appearing on So You Think You Can Dance auditions I felt that a competition show should be built for them. Most were brilliant at what they did and incredibly popular with the audience, but struggled in the structured more classically-styled demands of So You Think. A competition tailored to the type of dancing they excelled at would be perfect and should prove popular.
Why a major network didn't jump all over this I'll never know. Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew was picked up at MTV, and while it airs originally on Thursday nights at 10/9 Central, it's MTV so you know the episodes repeat over and over again all the time. Tonight's episode is the second one of the competition, and there are still eight dance troupes remaining so it's not even too late to jump on board.
Mario Lopez hosts the event that features a couple of all girl troupes, one that performs with stoic masks on to stunning affect, and even a group that performs in old-school roller skates. The production value is just as good as must summer reality shows, and Lopez gained notoriety and a second shot at fame with his own run on Dancing with the Stars. Between his rising star and Randy Jackson's involvement, this would have seemed a sure shot for a summer series on network television, but don't let the fact that it's on MTV dissuade you.
Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew is a really good dance competition. On the first night, the troupes had to choreograph their own pieces and this mix of choreography, acrobatics, dance and breathtaking stunts makes these some of the most exciting dance productions you'll see outside of the real streets of major cities across the nation.
Singing and dancing go hand-in-hand, so it's very cool that one of the most prominent figures on the number one singing show on television, American Idol, is taking such a strong hand in pushing group dance into the television spotlight.
TV Squad Ten: Cartoon women who should have Playboy centerfolds
Six Mad Men characters who are in limbo after the finale
Fact or Fiction: Big Bang, Brothers & Sisters and CSI
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-14-2008 @ 3:22PM
Allison said...
Agreed! The dancing is really good. It really blows that Dance War show out of the water. The group with the masks (Jaborwalkeez?) and the California group (I forget their team name) are the best I've seen.
Reply
2-15-2008 @ 10:50AM
Zach said...
I am getting sick of this whole dance craze. Other than the actual dancing part, I loathe everything about the dance culture, the stupid music, costumes and of course the completely oblivious dancers. Kevin Federline anyone?
Reply
2-28-2008 @ 11:02PM
kavolyn said...
Just wanna comment on the show February 28, 2008. It was strictly bias, as we all know that LIVE IN COLOUR is the better crew. They have been in the top for the previous weeks and the other team has been in the bottom. Fysh n Chicks receive the votes, because they are in their hometown. if that is the case it seems as if they are gonna win. They can only shake booty. I am really disappointed and its bias.
Reply
2-29-2008 @ 12:20AM
kay kay said...
Very disappointed about the judges decision on letting LIVE IN COLOUR leave the competition- I truly believe that Live In Colour was the best dance crew in the competition. They was BRINGING IT everytime and their moves were HOTT and Crazy. My friends and I was always looking forward to seeing Live In Colour on the show- WE ARE THEIR BIGGEST FANS!!!! They might not win the competition but with us- They not only are the best on the show but the Hottest Dance crew ever. Luv u guys!!!! Hope to see more of LIVE IN COLOUR in the future!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
3-02-2008 @ 8:53PM
Geena said...
Lil mama dresses like a doodle bop :}
Reply
3-02-2008 @ 8:55PM
Geena said...
JC talks way TOOOOOOOOO much, I have to mute the TV when he comments.
Reply
3-03-2008 @ 3:22AM
Essence said...
The Jabbawockeez are totally hot. I've been watching some of there older dance shows on YouTube.
Reply
3-07-2008 @ 8:45AM
gladys said...
i recently watched the dance show on march6, which turn out to be bs. besides my favorite crew was live in colour.the jabbawockeez are fun to watch. i just think the whole thing is set up.
Reply
3-08-2008 @ 1:16PM
shekinah said...
i think BREAKSK8 is the bomb. it is very cool how they dance very good, but in skates at the same time.And all of u guys are tooooooooooo HOT!!!!!!
Reply
3-22-2008 @ 6:12PM
foxxy said...
The jabbawockeez are sooooo freakin sick, it amazes me how good they are! I know that they are gonna be the ones still standing at the end!
Reply
4-09-2008 @ 11:41PM
Karrena said...
Well I am not sure about anyone else but I loved the show I watched it every week and the jabbawockeez were #1 in my book from the beginning the way they move is sexy and and when I was watching the show I couldnt turn my head for one second(only when jabba was performing of course)I would just really like to meet them one day and chill and maybe they could teach me a few moves or I could just sit back and watch them trust me I have no problem with that either and no one will ever be as good as the jabbawockeez EVER so dont try you will fail.
Reply